State Senator Mike Doherty, considered the most conservative member of the NJ Senate, will not attempt to block U.S. Senator Cory Booker from being elected to his own six year term.

A source close to Doherty told MMM that the senator is focused on his appointment to the State Senate Committee investigating the Christie Administration’s involvement in the George Washington Bridge lane closure scandal that has become know as Bridgegate. Doherty was one of three Republicans appointed to the seven member committee by Senate President Sweeney yesterday. Senators Kevin O’Toole (Essex and Passaic) and Gerald Cardinale (Bergen) are the other Republicans on the investigating committee. The Democrats are Senators Loretta Weinberg (Bergen), the Chair, Nicholas Scutari(Hudson) Nia Gill (Essex) and Linda Greenstein (Mercer and Middlesex).

“Mike would not have accepted that appointment if he were going to run for U.S. Senate,” this source said, “The party is in disarray and the investigation will be time consuming.”

Steve Lonegan, Booker’s opponent in the Special Election for U.S. Senate last October, told The Star Ledgerthat Doherty should run. Lonegan has announced his candidacy to the House of Representatives seat being vacated by Congressman Jon Runyan in New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District.

WOW, a whole 64 likes on Facebook. That’s get me enthusiastic. Any campaign positions, any previous office held? Any money to put up a real campaign site? Any capability to raise millions to run against Booker.

Hey, I want to win the seat; but if two of our best are already sitting out; might as well just re-run Rullo or Quarmot.

while people who could get close or win, run from the tough ones.. Maybe Amy Handlin should take on Cory.. Donald Trump not available, is contemplating Gov. of NY… We need a name and some money- so, step up, chickens!

there’s a name and money.. He’s dying to do it- is a millionaire, will still have his radio and other gigs if it doesn’t work out, and it would take the now- giddy Dems down a peg- they’d maybe get off the gov. for 5 minutes,and have to help Cory hang on!